Reviews

I have worked with Guy Mathiot of Design IQ Ltd. since May 2019. He is an extremely talented, creative Designer who has an enviable knowledge and in-depth experience of the fashion industry, especially in the field of bags. Guy has been an invaluable asset to IYASU, a designer brand of doctors’ bags since its inception. From beautifully constructed concept designs to exceptionally detailed, clear technical drawings, navigating the daunting task of factory selection, scrutinising samples, and now managing production, Guy has been a rock of sound advice and guidance. My background is in Medicine. Until the idea of my business occurred to me, I had worked for my whole career as a doctor and therefore had no experience of starting a fashion brand. Although I felt inspired, passionate, and understood the need to transform the world of medical bags to reflect the fashionable, female demographic who now practice as doctors, without Design IQ Ltd I never would have managed to achieve anything near success. Initially Guy asked me to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to enable him to fully understand my vision and the potential place in the market for my products. He is refreshingly straight-talking and honest, which are powerful tools in a fiercely competitive industry. In addition to evaluating my plan, and contributing his own educated ideas at this stage, he enquired whether I could afford to embark on this venture. Although this may seem personal, anyone who has ever started a fashion line will appreciate that it requires a huge investment of time, financial funding, energy, and emotional resilience prior to any return. Through a carefully constructed process with meticulous attention to every step of design detail, Guy has created a stunningly beautiful, fashionable, and functional range of doctors’ bags for women. In addition, the extra design details of the metal work, including branded zips, bag tags and fastenings are a credit to his talents, and give the pieces their special high- end look and status. The products exceed my expectations, and I am proud that they bear my brand logo. The journey has undoubtedly taken longer than I expected, but then my expectations were extremely naïve. I have learnt much along the way and changed my initial plans for fabrics. Guy was sympathetic to my brand ethos towards eco-friendly materials and not only provided his own considered opinions but took time out to research recycled fabrics and plant-based leathers at a textile exhibition abroad. He has also been a great source of knowledge on colour, sourcing of a high-end factory with pre-existing designer clients, quality control, and future ideas for expanding the product range. It has been expensive but working with Guy has made this venture far less terrifying than it could have been and enabled me to avoid innumerable pitfalls. It is much less costly to do things properly with expert guidance, than to end up with poor quality, ill-thought-out products. I can’t wait to launch IYASU, and I’m fully confident it will be a great success.
https://iyasubags.com/

Guy took his time to understand not only the practical elements and real life uses for the bag I wanted to create, but also always kept one eye firmly on the commercial aspects. Very clearly has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to design and functionality, Guy wasn't afraid to offer solutions that pushed but ultimately improved the original brief. Great communication throughout. Looking forward to the next stage!

 (Talking about new zip pullers we have designed) “Wow! They are a work of art! Couldn’t be more delighted with them.”

I have known Guy for something like 20 years & it has been interesting to see his positive progress within a specialised & changing industry. We have never had a direct business relationship, but I have followed his work (as I teach design), I have worked with brands that have used his services, & he has employed my graduates. Guy has the knack of knowing what works, what is original, & what is commercial, whilst keeping the underlying signature of a brand. Is that not what you want from a designer?

Guy ( of Design IQ) has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable about our interesting/different backpack product and we would highly recommended him to get a great finished article! We will look to continue to work with Guy and grow the product

Thanks for the meeting yesterday, it was very informative, and I was impressed by your knowledge, links to industry, and your conscientious approach to my product. I would like you to start on the concept work you proposed. I am looking forward to getting things started, and working with you.

“UNBELIEVABLE” were my first thoughts after my first encounter with Guy Mathiot of Design IQ.

A few years ago I had the rare opportunity to witness the tactical genius of Guy Mathiot as he consulted on my start up luggage company FanTrav, LLC. Previously, we worked with two other luggage design consultants who didn’t quite get what we needed. In just a few hours Guy masterfully took our basic luggage line and expanded it to a viable market place product offering –far beyond even what we could ever see or think. “Unbelievable”!

Guy’s scientific-like approach to design, Keen attention to detail, uncanny ability to see gaps in the market, an understanding of the consumer, all while being mindful of our financial objectives is what clearly sets him far apart from others in the industry.

Beyond this design skill mastery and business experience is the man himself who I found easy to communicate with, likeable, and most important a man of integrity.

If starting a luggage company from scratch, there is no other “Guy” for the job. (I couldn’t resist!!)

You have been an excellent Marketing tool.

Guy that looks great!!! You’ve just made my day ?

Mate, my wife and I are blown away! I really love how my idea, with your creative and expert input, has come to life!

We were very satisfied with the designs, especially as the sell through was very good!

After speaking with Guy I was offered a lot of invaluable advice and recommendations going above and beyond what I expected from an introductory call. I felt there was no pressure to use their services and given valuable help to take ideas forward.

I am more than happy with the whole experience of working with you.

All the designs were superb and it was very difficult to choose the best one”…….”I would like to thank you personally for the excellent work you and your team have done for us…. some particular designs have really stood out and provoked a considerable, unsolicited positive response.

It has got to be said you have been excellent value for money!

I also spoke with Guy and was immediately impressed with his personable approach, expertise and professionalism. Sharing your ideas with a professional company can be a daunting experience but Guy put my concerns to rest and my advice to anyone starting out is to be open when sharing your ideas with Design IQ. Anyone can copy ideas and even the final product but you need to be the first one producing it to become a leader in the market and Design IQ certainly have the capability to help you do this. They offer design, prototype and manufacturing services at a reasonable cost.

I decided to take some more time to refine my initial concept and do some more market analysis following discussion with Guy but will definitely use DesignIQ services in the near future.

… I had quite a few comments at our sales meeting that the bags looked great and were at the right prices.